Hadrian’s Cycleway & Coast to Coast

Arrive in Sunderland and meet in the hotel for an evening briefing from your guides. Sunderland is a surprising city, combining a proud industrial past with a vibrant coastal identity. From sandy beaches and lively food hubs to deep historical sites, there is plenty to explore should you arrive early or wish to extend your stay at the end of the trip.

Highlights / sightseeing:

• the C2C and Hadrian's Way signs / sculptures by Roker Beach which mark the start and end of the trip for the obligatory photos!
• Roker & Seaburn are  award-winning, sandy beaches. A gentle 20 minute wander along the promenade takes you past the iconic Roker Pier and Lighthouse
• Hylton Castle is a 14th century fortified castle originally built from wood by the Hylton family shortly after the Norman conquest in 1066
• Catch a show at the Sunderland Empire, the largest theatre in the North East
• Visit the Museum & Winter Garden in the city centre for local history, including the famous Wallace the Lion; it's connected to a stunning indoor tropical oasis with over 2,000 plants

43 miles, 1,225ft ascent (70km, 373m)

Today provides a gentle introduction to the journey across northern England. It's the shortest stage of the tour, with easy gradients and plenty of traffic-free cycleways, making it the perfect warm-up before the wilder landscapes that lie ahead.

Setting out along the North Sea coast, we ride past Seaburn Promenade and the dramatic cliffs of Marsden Rock before reaching South Shields and Arbeia Roman Fort, the official eastern start of Hadrian's Cycleway. A network of cycle paths leads us to the Tyne Cycle & Pedestrian Tunnel, where we pass beneath the river before emerging on the north bank and views of the Millenium Bridge.

Continuing along the River Tyne, we follow riverside cycle paths out of town, soon leaving the city behind. Beyond here, the route joins sections of the historic Wylam Wagonway, once used to carry coal from the Northumberland coalfields to the coast. At Wylam, we cross elegant Hagg Bank Bridge—thought to have inspired both Newcastle's Tyne Bridge and Sydney Harbour Bridge—and pass the birthplace of railway pioneer George Stephenson.

Quiet country lanes then lead us through the attractive Tyne Valley via Ovingham and the historic market town of Corbridge, with its Roman remains and medieval streets, before a final easy ride into Hexham. There's time to explore this handsome market town, home to its magnificent 7th-century abbey, England's oldest purpose-built prison and an excellent selection of cafés, pubs and independent shops. (B, L)

Highlights

• North Sea coastline with beaches, cliffs, seabirds and Marsden Rock
• Arbeia Roman Fort, the official start of Hadrian's Cycleway
• Newcastle's riverside cycleways and Millennium Bridge including the Tyne Cycle & Pedestrian Tunnel
• Historic Wylam Wagonway and Hagg Bank Bridge
• George Stephenson's birthplace & National Trust House
• Roman Corbridge and its charming market streets
• Hexham Abbey, the Old Gaol and the vibrant market town atmosphere

46 miles, 2375 feet ascent (74km, 724m)

Right into the heart of Hadrian's Wall Country we go during today's route. With a hillier profile than yesterday, it's one of the most rewarding days of the tour, combining spectacular Northumberland scenery with some of the finest Roman remains anywhere in Britain.

Leaving Hexham, we follow the Tyne Valley west to the Meeting of the Waters before climbing onto the rolling moorland that surrounds Hadrian's Wall. For a memorable stretch, our route runs alongside the Wall itself, giving a real sense of the scale and ambition of the Roman frontier. There's also the option of a short detour for views towards the site of the famous Sycamore Gap, while Vindolanda Roman Fort lies close to the route for those wishing to spend extra time exploring one of Britain's most important archaeological sites.

After a well-earned café stop—renowned locally for its legendary vanilla slices—we continue through Haltwhistle, proudly known as the "Centre of Britain", before enjoying a picnic lunch beneath the historic walls of Lanercost Priory. Quiet country lanes then lead us through the attractive market town of Brampton, with its Jacobite connections, before an easy run into Carlisle, Cumbria's historic county city, where it's worth a wander up to the imposing castle. (B, L)

Highlights

• Riding through the dramatic landscapes of Hadrian's Wall Country & sections of Hadrian's Wall alongside the route
• Optional visit to Vindolanda Roman Fort (allow around 2 hours) or optional detour for views towards the site of Sycamore Gap
• The Meeting of the Waters near Hexham
• Haltwhistle, the "Centre of Britain"
• Famous local café and its celebrated vanilla slices
• Lanercost Priory
• Brampton and its Jacobite history & Carlisle Castle, one of England's most besieged

60 miles, 1175 feet ascent

This is the longest stage of the tour, but also one of the gentlest. With mostly flat terrain and long stretches of quiet coastal riding, it's a wonderfully relaxed day following the shores of the Solway Firth before turning south along Cumbria's west coast.

Leaving Carlisle, we head through the Solway Coast National Landscape, where vast saltmarshes, wide estuaries and huge skies create a landscape unlike anywhere else on the route. The Solway has one of the UK's greatest tidal ranges—up to 10 metres—and, on a clear day, there are sweeping views across to Scotland, Criffel, the Robin Rigg offshore wind farm and even the Isle of Man. The marshes are internationally important for birdlife, making this a rewarding day for wildlife enthusiasts.

We pass through Burgh-by-Sands, where King Edward I died while campaigning against the Scots, before reaching Bowness-on-Solway, the official western end of Hadrian's Wall. Beyond here, quiet country lanes lead towards the charming Victorian seaside town of Silloth, which might be worth a slight detour for an ice cream or chips depending how the day is going!

From Allonby, much of the afternoon follows traffic-free cycleways built on former railway lines, with expansive sea views as we ride through Maryport and Workington. This is a very different side of Cumbria—industrial, resilient and often overlooked, yet rich in maritime heritage. Our day ends in the attractive Georgian harbour town of Whitehaven, where its bustling marina and waterfront provide the perfect setting to relax after the longest mileage of the tour. (B, L)

Highlights

• Flat, scenic riding along the Solway Firth and Cumbrian coast, including the Solway Coast National Landscape & Campfield Marsh Nature Reserve (excellent birdwatching)
• Spectacular tidal estuary with views to Scotland, Criffel and, on clear days, the Isle of Man beyond the miles of sand known as Allonby Beach
• Burgh-by-Sands and the story of King Edward I
• Bowness-on-Solway, the western end of Hadrian's Wall
• Traffic-free coastal cycleways on former railway lines and glimpses of the maritime heritage of Maryport and Workington
• Whitehaven Marina and the Beacon Museum

42 miles, 3,450ft ascent (68km, 1,052m)

Having reached the Irish Sea, it's time to turn east and begin the journey back across the country. Today's stage is a complete contrast to yesterday's coastal cruising, trading flat roads for quiet Lakeland lanes, dramatic climbs and some of the finest scenery of the entire tour.

We begin by crossing the St Bees Peninsula to the pretty coastal village of St Bees, home to the famous Coast to Coast (C2C) start marker on the beach. Skirting the edge of the aptly named Energy Coast, we ride south with distant views towards Sellafield before turning inland, where the real challenge begins.

A steady climb takes us onto the wild, windswept moorland of Cold Fell, where sheep and wild ponies roam freely across this remote upland landscape. The rewards come quickly as we descend into Ennerdale and enter the Lake District National Park, following wonderfully quiet roads through one of Cumbria's most peaceful corners.

The afternoon brings classic Lakeland riding, including sections of the renowned Fred Whitton Challenge route in reverse. Rolling lanes and rewarding climbs reveal ever-changing views across Loweswater, Crummock Water and the Buttermere valley before the final ascent over Whinlatter Pass. As the summit is reached, spectacular panoramas open out towards Skiddaw, Bassenthwaite Lake—the Lake District's only true lake—and the bustling market town of Keswick. A final sweep through the beautiful Newlands Valley, beneath the unmistakable silhouette of Catbells, provides a memorable finish to one of the tour's most spectacular days. (B, L)

Highlights

• St Bees and the C2C coast-to-coast start marker, as we ride along Cumbria's "Energy Coast"
• Remote moorland crossing of Cold Fell with wild ponies, sheep and expansive upland scenery
• The Lake District National Park & sections of the legendary Fred Whitton Challenge route. Includes views over Loweswater, Crummock Water & Buttermere, Whinlatter Pass and a winding final loop through Newlands
• Overnight in the vibrant market town of Keswick - the bustling heart of the Lake District outdoors industry

45 miles, 3,750ft ascent (72km, 1,146m)

Today's ride leaves the Lake District behind and heads for the North Pennines, linking two of England's finest upland landscapes with a memorable mountain crossing.

We begin on the popular traffic-free Keswick to Threlkeld Railway Trail, following the River Greta beneath the dramatic slopes of Blencathra. Beyond Threlkeld, a quiet gated road climbs over the brow to Mungrisdale—a hidden gem that provides a far more enjoyable alternative to the routes running parallel to the noisy nearby A66. Glorious views and very little traffic.

Rolling country lanes lead us through the picture-postcard village of Greystoke before reaching the handsome red sandstone market town of Penrith. From here we leave the Eden Valley behind, passing prehistoric monuments as the road begins its gradual climb into the North Pennines.

The ascent of Hartside Pass is one of northern England's classic cycling climbs. Long, steady and rewarding rather than relentlessly steep, it delivers ever-expanding views before a thrilling descent carries us into Alston. At over 1,000 feet above sea level, England's highest market town is the perfect place to celebrate another memorable day in the saddle. (B, L)

Highlights:

• Keswick to Threlkeld Railway Trail – a fine traffic-free cycle route, following the River Greta beneath the dramatic slopes of Blencathra along the former Cockermouth, Keswick & Penrith Railway.
• Greystoke Castle – Best known as the inspiration for the ancestral home of Lord Greystoke in Edgar Rice Burroughs' Tarzan novels. Although Tarzan himself never lived here, the castle's name became forever linked with one of literature's most famous fictional characters.
• Long Meg and Her Daughters – Bronze Age stone circles, comprising a towering sandstone monolith surrounded by 59 smaller stones. The nearby Little Meg circle offers another fascinating glimpse into Cumbria's prehistoric landscape.
• Hartside Pass – A classic Pennine climb with far-reaching views stretching across the Lake District and the North Pennines. The reward is one of England's great road descents, sweeping all the way into Alston.
• Alston – England's highest market town (over 1,000ft / 300m above sea level), with cobbled streets, handsome stone buildings and a rich lead-mining heritage that helped shape the North Pennines.

58 miles, 4,100ft ascent (93km, 1,249m)

The final day is also the most demanding. With the greatest amount of climbing on the tour, it provides a fitting finale—but don't be put off. Most of the hard work is packed into the first half of the day, leaving a long, satisfying run back to the North Sea and the finish line.

Leaving Alston, we ride into the heart of the North Pennines National Landscape, crossing a succession of quiet passes through one of England's wildest and least populated regions. This is a landscape of vast moorland, abandoned mine workings and seemingly endless skies, where changing light transforms the scenery from one valley to the next.

The route threads through the historic mining villages of Nenthead, Allenheads and Rookhope, each with its own reminders of the lead and iron industries that once brought prosperity to these remote hills. A welcome pause awaits in the attractive market town of Stanhope before one final climb marks the end of the serious effort.

From here it's largely downhill as we leave the Pennines behind and follow former railway paths through County Durham, passing the proud industrial town of Consett before joining the River Wear for the final miles into Sunderland. The North Sea soon comes into view and the familiar C2C sculpture at Roker Beach marks the end of an unforgettable coast-to-coast journey. Time for the all-important finish-line photos—you've earned them. (B, L)

Highlights

• The North Pennines National Landscape – One of England's most remote and unspoilt upland areas, with sweeping moorland, huge skies and a true sense of wilderness.
• Mining heritage – Discover the legacy of the North Pennines' lead and iron industries, including the preserved Groverake Mine headframe near Rookhope and the striking remains of the old Rookhope Arch.
• Stanhope – The historic heart of the Durham Dales, home to giant stepping stones across the River Wear and a remarkable 320-million-year-old fossilised tree trunk in St Thomas' churchyard.
• Consett – Once one of Britain's great steelmaking towns, its steel helped build everything from Blackpool Tower to Royal Navy submarines. It's also the birthplace of Rowan Atkinson.
• Roker Beach – Celebrate your achievement at the iconic C2C sculpture overlooking the North Sea, where your coast-to-coast adventure comes full circle.

You are free to checkout and depart in your own time, or indeed to stay on for a few days to enjoy the sights (see above) that Sunderland has to offer. (B)